2025 Nail Excellence Awards™️

AWARDS GALA

The Nail Excellence Awards Gala is a glamorous celebration of artistry, ambition, and achievement within the nail industry. 2025 NEA was Hosted at Live! Casino in Hanover, Maryland, this unforgettable evening brought together professionals, innovators, and dreamers for a night of connection and inspiration. Guests experienced red carpet photo moments, live entertainment, exquisite hors d’oeuvres, and powerful success stories that reminded us what true excellence looks like—from skill and creativity to purpose and perseverance. More than just an event, the Nail Excellence Awards Gala is an elevated experience that celebrates those who set the standard, inspire others, and continue to push the nail industry forward.

Gala Photos

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Humanitarian of the Year

This category honors individuals or organizations within the nail industry that are making a positive impact, showcasing kindness, generosity, and community commitment.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Most fields are optional, but missing details may affect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Rookie of the Year

This category celebrates fresh talent, honoring new nail artists who started their journey May 2024 and later. Does NOT need to be licensed.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Press On Gel Nails

This category honors the best Press-on gel nails. Whole nails that are applied using a gel glue system, showcasing innovation, flexibility, durability, and professional-quality craftsmanship.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Press-On Nail Artist

This category honors the Best Press-On Nail Artist who excels in creativity, precision, durability, and innovation in design.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Nail School of the Year

This award honors the Best Nail School, recognized for excellence in education, training, and preparing future professionals.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may affect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Character Nail Art

This category honors the best character nail art, showcasing creativity in bringing pop culture characters to life through design.

**The nominees information below is required for entry **

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Trending Nail Artist

This category honors the Best Trending Nail Artist, shaping the future of nail design through innovation and influence.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Creative Nail Art

This category honors the most creative nail art, showcasing unique, innovative designs that push artistic boundaries.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Pedicurist of the Year

This category honors the Best Pedicurist, showcasing exceptional skill, creativity, and luxurious, innovative pedicure services.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Abstract Nail Art

This category honors the best abstract nail art, showcasing creativity, bold patterns, and innovative designs that push boundaries.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best 3D Nail Art

This category celebrates the best 3D nail art, showcasing intricate, dimensional designs that transform nails into sculptures.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Nail Supplier of the Year

This category honors the top nail supplier, known for quality products, excellent service, and industry innovation.

** The nominees information below is required for entry. The Nominee is the Supply Company. ** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may affect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Gel Polish Brand

This category honors the Best Gel Polish Brand, known for superior quality, durability, vibrant color, and innovation.

**The nominees information below is required for entry. The Polish Brand is the nominee** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Salon Suites

This category honors Salon Suites with exceptional facilities, supportive environments, and innovative spaces that foster growth and quality service.

** The nominees information below is required for entry. The Salon Suites is the nominee. **

*Images must be clear with good lighting.

Best Gel Application

This category honors nail artists with flawless gel application. Hard or Soft Gel, showcasing skill, precision, and long lasting, beautiful results.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Acrylic Application

This category honors exceptional acrylic nail enhancements, showcasing skill, precision, durability, and flawless technique in application.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Nail Care

This category honors exceptional nail care, focusing on nail health, strength, hygiene, and a professional experience.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Russian Manicure

This category recognizes excellence in Russian manicures, focusing on precision, skill, and flawless results in cuticle work

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Nail Tech of the Year

This category honors a nail technician with exceptional skill, creativity, professionalism, client care, and industry leadership.

** The nominees information below is required for entry. ** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may affect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Salon of the Year

This category honors a nail salon excelling in service, customer care, atmosphere, and industry leadership.

** The nominees information below is required for entry. The nominee is the Salon, not the owner(s). ** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may affect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting.